UFC 165: Main Card Matches That Will Not Go the Distance

While fans around the world are excited for UFC 165, the best matches will not necessarily be close ones.

This pay-per-view has two titles on the line, as well as a number of fighters looking to make a name for themselves in a well-publicized event. This will lead to some great individual efforts on display Saturday.

However, the judges will have a relatively easy day as they will not be needed in the majority of the big matches. These bouts especially have little chance of going the distance.

Costa Philippou vs. Francis Carmont

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Francis Carmont has been impressive lately, winning 10 matches in a row to get his record up to 21-7 for his career. His last five wins have all come in UFC against quality opponents.

However, Costa Philippou is simply a step above Carmont in the middleweight division. The veteran fighter is an excellent boxer and continues to climb the ranks as one of the top competitors in his class.

In this match, he has the chance to come through with some big punches if his opponent is not prepared, and this could lead to an early knockout.

Carmont is fortunate to still be undefeated in UFC, but he has not seen anyone of Philippou's ability. This inexperience will really hurt him in the Octagon.

Brendan Schaub vs. Matt Mitrione

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While this should be a close match with either person capable of winning, there is still a good chance that it ends early.

Both Brendan Schaub and Matt Mitrione are big hitters who leave nothing back when striking their opponent. These competitors have combined for 20 matches in their professional careers, and all but four have ended by knockout or TKO.

Although the experience will allow some better defense than either had shown in the past, you can still expect some big hits to land in this bout of strong competitors.

As the saying goes, "the bigger they come, the harder they fall." When these two heavyweights compete, someone will go down hard.

Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson

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There is certainly a large contingent who believe Alexander Gustafsson will give Jon Jones his toughest challenge he has seen as a UFC Champion. However, that does not mean much.

Jones has been simply dominant in his mixed martial arts career, amassing an 18-1 record with his only loss coming by disqualification. Since the start of 2010, he has nine wins in a row with only one bout going to decision.

It is not surprising that he comes into this match as a -850 favorite to win, according to Bovada.

Gustafsson is not technically advanced enough to handle Jones, and the champion will be able to dominant early and win via submission or knockout in the first couple of rounds.

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